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Friday, December 30, 2011

I almost squealed with excitement when I was looking at my Google Analytics today. Readers from 131 different countries read my blog this year. Thank you! It just goes to show that spreading agriculture's story isn't something that just happens in our communities. People all over the world rely on agriculture, and what to hear your stories. I think a lot of people like turquoise too!

However, there is one group of people that really like my blog - the Texans. The three most popular cities that my readers live in: Ballinger, Lubbock and College. Yeah that's right I have all kinds of Big Brother info on you guys ;). After Texas it is Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Now go tell your east coast and west coast friends about this gal that blogs about food and agriculture.

Google Analytic map for Crystal Cattle. The darker the green the more visitors came from there.

Back to Texas. In honor on all the Texans that read my blog I put together a few Texas things together.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Today we aren't doing an official Turquoise Thursday, but no fear this recap still includes that wonderful color. I joined Pinterest the beginning of 2011 and was hooked immediately, and although I have shared with you many of my finds, a lot of the good stuff never makes it onto my blog. Therefore keeping with this week's themes of recaps I am sharing some of my most repinned Pinterest photos. p.s. If you aren't on Pinterest yet, and would like to be you can find my email under my About Me page and I'll email you an invite.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

It is that time of year. To recap some of the blog posts that you and my readers enjoyed the most. This next week I want to share a few different Top 2011 posts, so be sure to keep coming back. There is a lot inshore.

Now first of all the top three places that you visited on my blog were my About Me page, who knew you were so curious about me, and my Turquoise Thursday page, everyone loves Turquoise, and my How to Blog Guide. (You can learn how to add pages to your blog in this post.)

I am absolutely in love with our engagement photos. I highly recommend La Brisa Photography for all the special moments that you want to capture. Chris is based in Texas, but travels all over. Hands down one of my favorite photographers and I can't wait for him to capture our big day.

I think I surprised many of you when I told you that turquoise wasn't going to be one of my wedding colors, however these engagement party invites that two of my cousins designed were awesome. I love the turquoise and burlap combination. The wedding details are really starting to come together. I'll be sharing more with you soon.

I loved getting together with two of my best girl friends for this photo shoot. I also loved all the comments that I got from you guys on this post. Remember just because we like dresses, jewelry, high heels and boots, doesn't mean that we don't know a thing or two about agriculture.

Friday, December 23, 2011

New Year's is right around the corner and that means that millions of people are going to be setting New Year's resolutions based on their health. I will be too. I haven't quite narrowed it done yet, but with a wedding in under four months it is pretty good motivation. That wedding dress might hide a lot, but the swim suits I want to wear in Hawaii won't!

I've always enjoyed SHAPE magazine, and the article I read today makes me want to sing their praises. There is something called the DASH diet - a diet that helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the past they told you to stay away from red meat, however with people realizing the benefits of the 29 lean cuts of beef, nutritionists are encouraging people to include lean meat in their diets.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Need some last minute gift ideas for the meat lover in your life? I know I am scurrying around getting those last minute items and waiting for the UPS man to make lots more deliveries at my house. I am pretty sure the UPS man is wondering what is up at the Boy's house. There has been more deliveries there in the past two weeks than in the years he has lived there previously.

Instead of throwing that frozen steak on your black eye, why not just bandage it up with a T-Bone Steak Bandage.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Lindsay has been a long time blog reader. I've been poking and prodding her to start her own blog with not so much success. I have successfully twisted her arm though to do a guest post. See she and I have a lot in common, but there is one difference - Lindsay has a beautiful baby boy and is much more on the up and up with stylish kid stuff. So here she goes.

Today I’m tackling some firsts. My first blog post and my baby’s first Christmas. It’s safe to say my anxiety is equal for both milestones. At the encouragement of the blog owner, here it goes:

So, I have this precious, sweet, little baby angel that goes by Abbott (See Exhibit A).

Exhibit A

As you can tell, it’s Abbott’s first Christmas. I have been faced with the reality of the situation that:
1. I have a kid, and it’s his first Christmas.
2. Let's face it… he’s just 6 months and doesn’t really know what is going on. I have actually entertained the idea of giving him the same things for the next three years and just taking a picture with a different thing each year.

So, here I am, at the crossroads every parent comes to during the holiday season; to keep it real or go totally overboard? These were my final selections. I hope they help you with some last minute ideas for the little ones on your list, or if you are super organized, maybe they will help you get a jump on things for next year.

1.The Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case

I haven’t used this thing yet, but I am already convinced the inventor is brilliant. A case that keeps my phone free from drool and making unwanted phone calls...oh and he can use it as a teething toy. Sign me up! The best part is that this little technology wonder is only $15.99, and the corresponding Fisher Price apps are free. I like free.

2. The Jeep Liberty Renegade Walker

I already gave him this gift. We are just going to add a bow on Christmas morning for the picture. Babies grow like nothing you have ever seen, and I need to maximize his usage time. As you can see, he loves cruising for chicks in his Jeep. I like that it is gender neutral in color. He likes that it makes engine noises, and it has a horn that honks. I LOVE that it was super easy to put together. A little insider tip: It’s on sale at Baby Depot for $39.99. They are sold out online, but our store had plenty in inventory.

3. Purple Banner Designs Lovie

Purple Banner Designs has it going on! I won this lovie in a giveaway right here on CrystalCattle and ordered another one for my best friend’s little boy the next week. I cannot rave enough about how much we love this thing. It goes with us everywhere, and Bethany, if you are reading this… I wouldn’t be opposed to a Mommy-sized one too. Just thinking out loud for you.

There it is, my first blog post, on the Internet for the whole wide world to read. I know my sweet, little guy is going to love his gifts, but more importantly I hope he knows he is the best gift. I’ve loved watching him grow, and all he needs to give me on Christmas is that precious gummy smile that he is rapidly becoming famous for. Best wishes for a merry Christmas and an incredibly blessed new year!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Recently I came across the Charm & Chain Blog. They have all kinds of really unique jewelry, and also have a lot of copycat pieces that are MUCH less than the real thing. Of course this turquoise necklace instantly caught my eye.

Isn't it pretty. Perfect with a black shirt or a white collared shirt.

Friday, December 9, 2011

The Boy and I have been successfully living together for more than two months now, and we love it. It is always interesting when two people come together to live under one roof and begin to share their life philosophies with each other - like cheese is a vegetable.

Yes, the Boy believes that cheese is a vegetable and that things like brocolli is in the gross stuff category. You see the Boy isn't a big vegetable fan, although I'll give him credit that his tastes have expanded greatly since we started dating.

One thing we do agree on is that we love cheese. If you were to look in our fridge right now you would find two bags of Parmesan, Monetary Jack, Italian and Mozzarella. There is also cottage cheese (his not mind), cream cheese, sour cream, sour cream taco dip, yogurt and milk - yeah we are dairy fans.

Since we have an abundance of cheese the Boy has declared that we can just subsitiute cheese into our diet as a vegetable. Probably not a great plan, but a great way to support dairy farmers.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

If you follow me on Instagram I gave you a hint of what I was up to a couple weekends a go. Yes, the Boy let me paint my home office Turquoise, and I love it. The office definitely needed some color with its white walls and all my white IKEA office furniture. And p.s. I was pretty proud of my IKEA furniture purchases. Not only was it easily the best place to get the most bang for my buck, but my future MIL and I were able to put all the furniture together ourselves!

A little bit of of elbow grease and this is what you get...

Boom Turquoise Office. I decided to go with a color from Lowe's called Aqua Chifron.

My cork board wall. You can find these cork board squares at most WalMarts and Hobby Lobby. Definitely recommend nailing them up, the double sided tape that comes with them never seems to work.

My wall of things I love. The painting was done by a dear friend of mine. Super talented. The two cow pictures are Signature (the black one) and Fantasy and Harmony (the cow and calf), these are my all time favorite cows. And then a picture of my sister and I, and the Boy and I.

I was able to save some money by keeping the blinds and curtains that were already in the room.

My little seating area. This couch was previously downstairs in our house, but it no longer fit when I moved all my stuff in. The meshing of two peoples things is always a fun project. So that is my office. Feel free to stop by anytime. We can talk blogging, agvocacy, Sure Champ and of course turquoise!

Yesterday, Debbie Lyons-Blythe had a great guest post, by Barb Downey, on her blog about providing beef for families through a movement called #GiveBeef. Today, I've asked Barb if I can repost so I can share with you how you can get involved, and also there are some pretty interesting facts in her post about what farmers and ranchers provide in terms of volunteer service to their communities.

On the ranch with Barb and Joe and their daughters Anna and Laura Cate.

by Barb Downey

Our cow herd has given us a lot over the years. A good living, a way of life that lets us work together as a family, a way to teach our kids the joys and responsibilities of an intimate bond with animals and a way to live in partnership & harmony with our environment to provide safe, wholesome & nutritious beef. In return, we give our cow herd the best we have to offer; top nutrition, health care and a lifetime of interaction with humans that ensures they are treated properly. So while every job has its ups & downs, when the dust settles, cattle ranching has been a blessing and a gift. This is why all of us in agriculture, both farming & ranching, do what we do. Sure, its long hours spent in some of the worst Mother Nature can dish out, but the blessings are many and manifest.

Farmers and ranchers are not just generous with their time, but also contribute to charitable causes. About one-half of farmers and ranchers donate at least $500 annually to local or national charities and nearly one-third donate at least $1,000.

I want to recognize that and use it to inspire all of us to unite in our giving. I’m calling on you, America’s Ranchers, Farmers & all of you who support ag producers every day to join me during the Holidays, long winter & all year long in putting a face on the generosity of our ag community.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2010, 14.5 percent of U.S. households were food insecure at least some time during that year. The beef community is responding to this need in a number of ways, from donating beef to food banks to volunteering time in our local communities.

How can I make a difference, you ask? Here at Downey Ranch, we donated a beef and contacted our local locker to donate the processing & packaging. GTB Meats, Inc. of Riley, KS stepped up to the plate and together, we were able to deliver over 460 lbs (1800+ servings!) of ground beef to the Flinthills Breadbasket. In turn, the Breadbasket will distribute that to local individuals & families in need this season. We are fortunate that what we & our cattle produce provides a huge nutritional punch to those members of society most likely to be deficient in what beef provides so well; complete, high quality protein & plenty of vitamins & minerals often lacking in Americans’ diets.

So donate beef (or pork, poultry, dairy or other quality foods from American agriculture). If you don’t have actual product, sell a few bushels & buy quality product. If you just love ag & want to help, offer to buy part or all of a beef from a rancher and donate that way. Just find out what your local organizations need & help to secure it. There are pantries, kitchens, churches, schools, etc. in every community needing you to step up to the plate. Then let us know what you’ve done so we can help you inspire others. Together, we can share the bounty of America’s ranches and make a real difference.

Remember, support “Give Beef” (Twitter: #GiveBeef) any way you can so that all winter long, everyone can truly say, “Beef; it’s what’s for dinner!”

The Boy and I are a thinking about how we can also #GiveBeef. Watch for a follow up post soon about what our contribution will be. Don't forget to check out the #GiveBeef Facebook page for more information.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Yesterday, was a busy day of clipping our bull calf Forest, house cleaning and painting furniture, so what better way to spare of time than a crockpot meal. I have been eyeing all kinds of macaroni and cheese recipes on Pinterest, and decided to combine a few for my own.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk - I used 2% milk

One 12 oz can of no fat evaporated milk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, cooled to room temp

3 large eggs

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheese Italian blend

1/2 pound elbow macaroni or mini penne tubes, par cooked and drained (this means cook them for about five minutes until tender but not completely cooked)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Oregano to taste

1 pound of bacon

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. By using a crock pot liner you won't have to worry about any clean up afterwards or you can spray the crock pot with cooking oil. Combine milk, evaporated milk, eggs, butter, and salt in crock pot and whisk until until smooth.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Have you noticed the plethora of meat cutting charts on Pinterest lately? If not don't worry that is what I am hear for to point the good stuff out. Not only are these charts giving you an education in where your meat is coming from, but they are also a great decorating piece for any kitchen or home.

Another artistic beef chart, but what is with the horns again? It is actually better for cattle to be dehorned at a young age. There is less chance of injury to the people handing the cattle, the cattle have less chance of injuring themselves or others, and it cause less bruising of the meat. Meat bruising equal low meat quality.

If you are looking for a tried and true beef cutting chart I love this one from www.beefretail.org. They also have mini and bilingual version.

Another sample is this beef chart from the American Angus Association. When I used to work at the Association we would send hundreds of these out each year. I love that this chart and the one above not only show what the cut of meat looks like, but it also tells you how it should be cooked. You can order this beef cutting cart here.

About Me

These are just a few of the stories that make up the life of an ag girl. I have a passion for agriculture, and want to see farmers remain on the land, raising food for all of us. You'll also get a dash of cattle life from around the country as I travel for work, and some commentary on my hectic life. I love photography, video production, K-State (yes I bleed purple), the livestock industry and have bounced from Alberta, to Kansas, to Missouri, to Iowa. Stay tuned. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @crystalcattle